BJP Government Targets Slums in Shalimar Bagh & Rohtash Nagar: Atishi Raises Alarm

National News: Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Atishi, on Friday alleged that the BJP-led government is preparing to demolish slums in Indira Camp (Shalimar Bagh constituency of CM Rekha Gupta) and Lal Bagh (Rohtash Nagar). Notices have been issued directing slum dwellers to vacate by July 31, sparking panic and fear among residents who are now facing the threat of homelessness.

'Jahan Jhuggi Wahan Maidan'

Atishi addressed a joint press conference at the AAP headquarters along with former Shalimar Bagh MLA Vandana Kumari, Councillor Jalaj Chaudhary (Shalimar Bagh), and Councillor Shivani Panchal (Rohtash Nagar). She accused the BJP of breaking its promise of “Jahan Jhuggi, Wahan Makaan” made during election campaigns. Instead, she said, the BJP is delivering “Jahan Jhuggi, Wahan Maidan” by demolishing slums without providing alternative housing.

Bulldozers Rolled Out Across Delhi, More Demolitions Planned

Atishi said that in the last six months, bulldozers have been used in Madrasi Camp, Bhumiheen Camp, Wazirpur, Jailerwala Bagh, Gokulpur, and Madipur. Now, Indira Camp and Lal Bagh are next. “Indira Camp residents have been living there since the 1990s and have allotment cards issued by previous governments,” she said. “Despite 35 years of settlement, these poor families are now being evicted.”

BJP’s Four-Engine Government Accused of Anti-Poor Policies

Atishi criticized the BJP’s “four-engine” government for targeting the poor while claiming to support them. She warned, “Delhi is run by the hard work of these very people—they work as domestic helpers, factory workers, and auto and bus drivers. If their homes are taken away, they will come out on the streets to stop Delhi.”

AAP Will Fight in Court, Parliament, and Streets

Atishi made it clear that AAP will fight the demolition drive at every level. “We will go to court, raise the issue in Parliament and the Delhi Assembly, and take to the streets. AAP has always stood with the poor and will continue to do so,” she said.

Indira Camp Residents in Panic After 15-Day Eviction Notice

Former MLA Vandana Kumari said chaos broke out on Thursday when a 15-day eviction notice was pasted in Indira Camp. “People are scared and confused. Where will they go in 15 days? Even though CM Rekha Gupta claims that no slum will be demolished, bulldozers are set to return to her own constituency,” she said.

Slum Dwellers Need Homes, Not Demolition: AAP

Vandana added, “The BJP’s bulldozer politics is anti-poor. AAP will not allow even one slum to be razed in Shalimar Bagh. Under Kejriwal’s leadership, slum dwellers were shifted to permanent homes with dignity. The BJP should do the same instead of creating fear.”

Purvanchali Community Feels Targeted: Councillor Chaudhary

Councillor Jalaj Chaudhary said that most of Indira Camp’s residents are from Purvanchal. “There is a growing sentiment that UP and Bihar migrants are being deliberately targeted before the Bihar elections,” he said. “People recalled Modi ji’s promise of ‘Jahan Jhuggi, Wahan Makaan’ with tears in their eyes. That night, no one cooked food. The entire camp was in mourning.”

Children Question Future as Lal Bagh Faces Demolition

Rohtash Nagar Councillor Shivani Panchal said she received a call after a notice was posted in Lal Bagh slums on Thursday evening. “A little girl asked me which school she’ll go to if her home is demolished,” she said. “BJP leaders who once stayed in these slums for publicity are now nowhere to be seen. AAP will stand shoulder to shoulder with the poor and fight back against this cruelty.”